Renewal of the baggage sorting system at Zurich Airport

The baggage sorting system is being comprehensively renewed and expanded as, among other things, key parts will soon reach the end of their useful life.

The baggage sorting system (GSA) is a central infrastructure for passenger handling at Zurich Airport. The GSA is being renewed and expanded for the following reasons: on the one hand, key parts of the system will soon reach the end of their useful life and will have to be replaced. Moreover, the existing systems for security checks on checked baggage will have to be upgraded in the future in line with new EU regulations. In addition, the existing GSA will reach the limit of its capacity in a few years’ time owing to current traffic trends.

Temporary changes for some passengers in Check-in 2

On 18 October, the checked baggage from areas Check-in 2 and Check-in 3 is transported to the centralised sorting station via an underground transport system. Within the next few months, this transport system will be replaced by a more powerful one. During this adjustment, the transport capacity will be reduced. As a consequence, part of the checked baggage will be transported to the centralised sorting station via baggage carts rather than baggage conveyors. This will affect some passengers checking in in the area Check-in 2. Information for passengers is displayed on the airport’s website as well as on information boards in the Check-in area. In addition, airport staff will be on-site to support the check-in process and wayfinding for all passengers affected.

Flughafen Zürich AG is investing some CHF 500 million Swiss Francs of its own funds in modernising and expanding the baggage sorting system. The construction project will take place in several stages. The first stage of the renewal will start on October 21, 2019, and last for approximately two months. The last stage in Dock E is set to be completed in 2025.

18.10.2019